Ellen picked me up for my 10:20 appointment with P.A. Natalie and we went over a lot of my medical history, medications, recommendation, and so on. Got a referral for dermatology and we discussed my upcoming P.T. appointment. El suggested a p.t. could come to me, instead of me going to them. We'll hear back.
After that, we went to the DMV. It was jammed, f course, and after the usual harrowing wait, showing documents, and getting my picture taken, the tasks seem to be done. I now have a handicapped placard and will be sent a senior I.D., which I believe stands in for a "real I.D."--or something.
Followed that with lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, the Wood Ranch. and we both got their yummy Asian salad with chicken. Home, Ellen helped me with some more business stuff and we discussed visiting independent living facilities in the coming weeks. El left soon after for her dance class, with my fervent thanks.
Stella called to ask if I wanted to go to lunch on the fourteenth, but I just don't want to schedule anything else right now. We chatted for some time and will keep in touch.
Before dinner, I actually--again!--sat down and watched T.V., a podcast called "Bury Me Feet First." Each episode chronicles a different dying person's desire to control their own destinies. So far, all the patients are relatively young--in their thirties to sixties--and their stories are touching. As for me, if I am ever in intractable pain or, for that matter, there's another reason I want to end this life, I will certainly consider doing that. I see no reason to suffer if there's no hope of alleviation.
BTW, assisted suicide is legal in D.C. and twelve states. Interestingly (well, it's i interesting to me) they include the two states in which I've lived, New Jersey and California. In the latter, final approval went into law on September 11, 2015, Ellen's birthday. Do I find that mysteriously significant?
No.
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